March 28, 2008
Posted: 09:44 AM ET
CNN

Watch Howard Dean on CNN's American Morning.

(CNN) – Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean told CNN Friday his party's system for choosing presidential candidates is "not a mess," despite the maze of complexities exposed by the close, bitter battle between Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

He also gave his clearest indication to date that he would like the fight wrapped up before the official nominating convention in August — as well as a guide on how to end it.

He said the undecided superdelegates — party officials who can choose whom to back — should weigh in once the voters have had their say.

"I'd like the other 350 (superdelegates) to say who they're for at some point between now and the first of July so we don't have to take this into the convention," he said on "The Early Show" on CBS. He made similar remarks on ABC.

Dean told CNN he's convinced the delegates from Florida and Michigan, who are currently not being counted, will ultimately be seated at the convention.

And he told CNN that party leadership has had "extensive discussions" with the Clinton and Obama campaigns to cool down their rhetoric.

"I don't think the party is going to implode," he said when asked about that possibility.

Full story 

(Udpates with Dean's comments on Superdelegates)

– CNN's Josh Levs

Filed under: Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • Howard Dean


Tom,des moines   March 28th, 2008 9:34 am ET

Howard Dean count those vote for Hillary.

Kim, PA   March 28th, 2008 9:35 am ET

what's not a mess is NOT the system, but the people running.

now Obama says he would have left his church if the pastor didn't retire.

now Clinton says to vote for Obama if she doesn't get in.

i've been a democrat for one year and i'm so ready to go back to being a republican or go independent, but i'll stick it out for Hillary.

Edana Popp   March 28th, 2008 9:35 am ET

Dean's right: we can tough it out. Everybody's who's predicting the end of the Democratic chances in November, go read some history and get some perspective.

Bobby   March 28th, 2008 9:35 am ET

Okay Dems. Let's end this matter and vote Obama so we can defeat McCain in November!

Go Barack Obama 2008

Alonzo Demetrius, FL, USA   March 28th, 2008 9:35 am ET

What in the world do you mean, Dean, when you say people in some areas of the US haven't been able to express their votes for the last 30 years? All of us know that all we need to do is properly register and then go to the polls. What in the world are you talking about anyway?

Wally   March 28th, 2008 9:36 am ET

As a Democrat, I'm ashamed by what is going on. For a party who claims Al Gore lost in 2000 because "votes were not counted", it is shocking they are willing to disenfranchise two of the most populus states in the union. The Democratic party is losing me, and it is not because two good candidates are duking it out; it is because the leadership of the party is alienating citizens.

Spirit of America   March 28th, 2008 9:36 am ET

The Primay process is not only a mess, it is, to date, undemocratic. The will of the people in Michigan and Florida is clear from the January vote, a fair and official one. Just because one candidate doesn't like the outcome (and even vehemently refuses to hold a re-election) is no reason to reject the stated will of the people.

tim   March 28th, 2008 9:37 am ET

Mr. Obama should get out of the race immediately following more
news from the crazy church and Rezko. He dosen't have a chance
in the general election and would not have half the delegates he now
has if ANYBODY in the press had done reasonable research on this
guy. I wonder how Governor Richardson feels today.

Jeff   March 28th, 2008 9:38 am ET

Perhaps my comment belongs with this article instead.

On the topic of the Clinton/Obama race I dont understand the argument with Florida and Michigan. Both states knew going in that the DNC was not going to recognize their votes. Clinton and Obama both signed the agreement. How is there a dispute here. Because Clinton is behind? Thats foolish.
And enough of this talk that "everyone should be heard". The only reason this race is still going is because Clinton wants to go to convention because she is banking on Superdelegates. Primaries have been going for years and the late states never count. I live in Kentucky and use to live in Indiana and we pretty much accepted the fact that the primaries would not get to us. The best way to solve this problem in the future, DNC, is to have primaries on one day. That way there is no single state campaigning where the candidates say how much they care about the state until they lose the state then they say "well, those states dont count".

Rick in Florida   March 28th, 2008 9:39 am ET

YOU SHOULD BE FIRED!!!!!!!!!!!! What a complete balls-up, and because you, personally, are in the tank for Hillary she's allowed to
flagrantly change the rules as she goes along, to suit her needs.

When MI and FL moved their primary dates you stripped them of
their delegates….but ALLOWED Hillary to keep her name on the MI
ballot (when the others removed theirs). Now she claims a "victory"
in the state. YOU should have removed ALL candidates names in BOTH of these states, to aoid just what has happened.

Now you allow Hillary to float her plan to SCAM + STEAL as many of Obama's "pledged" delegates as she can. YOU ARE A JOKE. Just go into the corner and give us a SCREAM, will you???????

kenneth tewel   March 28th, 2008 9:39 am ET

Howard Dean is living in the same fantasy land as Hillary Clinton and George Bush.

For Bush everything is going fine in Iraq, for Clinton it's to ignore the numbers of pledged delegates that makes it impossible for her to fairly win the nomination and for Howard Dean, it's to ignore the carnage of the Democratic Primary Process.

With roughly 40% of the Democrats (roughly 20% of Clinton supporters and 20% of Obama supporters) so alienated from their commitment to the party that they indicate they will not support the opposing candidate, only a fool would suggest that everything is going well.

And where is Screamer Dean now that he is needed?

Independant-Voter   March 28th, 2008 9:39 am ET

Dear Howard Dean

You have a minor opinion on a Major delemia
The Democrat Elite has created the problem
And they need to clean up the Act
And by the way just maybe the party has already imploded
We will know by August

Dan, Washington DC   March 28th, 2008 9:40 am ET

The leaders of the DNC are the only people in America who think this nomination process makes sense. The entire thing should take place over a one month period, at most.

julie   March 28th, 2008 9:40 am ET

Howard Dean needs to step down, It's obvious he supports Obama , So if Obama gets the nod, we would have to wonder about the whole race being fixed from the beginning,

june hall   March 28th, 2008 9:42 am ET

Bill Nelson is right !All these Primaries and Delegates,super delegates,and all that money being spent{could feed all the hungry people in the world} seems like a lot of "hog-wash". Why is everyone so concerned about the Democratic party all of a sudden?It's no more split than the Republicans!The whole country is split and has been for almost eight years now.We need a new system{the popular vote},and do away with all this fol-de-rol!! June Hall

Richard, St. Paul, MN   March 28th, 2008 9:42 am ET

Yes, it IS a mess. Why must the American people endure months of advertising, campaigning, arguing, finger pointing and manure throwing, in addition to months of caucuses, primaries and sometimes both (Texas). Why can't all the primaries/caucuses in all the states be held during one or two months? We're sick and tired of having everything get strung out so interminably long.

April Garlow   March 28th, 2008 9:43 am ET

I thought that the super delegates had no role to play unless the candidates get to the CONVENTION and neither has enough to win. Having them step in early will only further prove the dysfunctional /corrupt workings in the DNC. It will only serve to disenfranchise the rest of the Democratic voters, good job Dean. You think that if the candidates kiss and make up everyone will fall in line. Mark my words you are so wrong. No one can convince me that a Terrible Democratic Candidate is better than a Terrible Republican Candidate. They are only better for you and your future not America.

Zoi   March 28th, 2008 9:43 am ET

I am a Flroida voter and I WANT MY VOICE HEARD.

The power of One vote…..you do not want my primary vote, you will NOT get my general vote.

I AM tired of supporting a party that does not listen to its members.

Walt, Belton,TX   March 28th, 2008 9:43 am ET

Only an idiot like Dean could consider the Democratic primary not a mess. I hope he continues as the leader of the party, that will help ensure devisiveness and bitterness, ad infinitum. Howard's got to be the ultimate doofus!

Jeanette   March 28th, 2008 9:44 am ET

If the American people would of known of Obama judgement in the church he chose to go to , he would not be in the lead . I believe he chose to go to that church to get ahead politically. That church still has believes that is not good for the leader of our country to belong to. Obama not wanting a revote in Mich. and FL. will hurt in the general election. I do not believe he will win in the general election if he get the nom. I believe his judgement and trust and character has been hurt. I will not vote for him in the general election. I hope the democratic party wakes up and makes Hillary Clinton the nom.

SS in ND   March 28th, 2008 9:44 am ET

The "media" is just now looking at Obama (after it is almost too late) and we may get what we voted for!

IF HE DIDN'T SIT IN THE PEWS, he certainly received the church bullitin all of these years! He used the folks at that church to propel his candicacy to the presidency. That is a shame regardless of what he really stands for.

AND we won't know that until he invites his pastor to his inauguration. All of these endosements are being swayed by the media coverage and bias against the Clinton family. It seems that Obama owns MSNBC and that station will relish four more years of bashing Bush 2.

elain   March 28th, 2008 9:44 am ET

Is anyone concern that the Elton John concert is illegal….Foreign Nationals are not allowed to contribute money to any political campaign candidate directly or indirectly…now how can he raise that money and give it to Hilliary's campaign with directly or indirectly getting involved in the US elections…does anyone out there have the answer to this…

Southerner   March 28th, 2008 9:45 am ET

The Democratic primary system is not a mess, and Howard Dean is not a nutjob. Orrr……

It still baffles me that Dean is head of the Democratic party. What a loon.

cc, Chicago   March 28th, 2008 9:45 am ET

Negativity ratings for the candidates and the democratic party are going up. McCain in the meantime is acting presidential and raising money while the democrats are burning through it and negating their money raising advantage. New voters to the process are being turned off by the negative tone. One candidate is saying if you don't vote for her, vote for the republican candidate because he would be better than the leading democratic candidate. There is talk of ignoring the popular vote and pledged delegate vote and nominate the candidate who is losing in all measurable categories, thus negating the whole point of the indignation of the 2000 presidential election loss by Al Gore. How is that not a mess??? The biggest problem right now is less Hillary Clinton and more Howard Dean for his almost complete silence on the primary process and lack of leadership and direction.

Curtis   March 28th, 2008 9:47 am ET

If you do the math Wyoming has 4 times the Electoral Vote to Person Ratio than Texas and more then 3 times more then 26 other states. Why are people from Wyoming so important? "One Vote, One Person" is not just a good idea, it should be an american right!!!!!!

Tex   March 28th, 2008 9:47 am ET

Senator Nelson is wrong to say the Democratic Primary on the national level is a mess. What is a mess is what Florida and Michigan Democrats caused. They disenfranchised their own voters by their own actions and their failure to follow the rules that all the other states followed.

People fell for the line that it was the Florida Republicans fault. But Senator Nelson didn't protest the move to move Florida's primary up in violation of the DNC rules.Evidence shows he encouraged it. The blame needs to be placed in the correct place. Then, of course, the Michigan Governor was part of the reason the Michigan Primary was also move up in violation of the DNC rules.

Does it surprise anyone that the Senators from Florida and the Governor of Michigan are Hillary supporters? Hillary herself is not a rules follower when it doesn't suit her purpose. maybe that why she is losing and Obama is beginning to pull away.

sheila   March 28th, 2008 9:47 am ET

There is only one fair way to seat the delagates from Fla -seat them as they were voted since both were on the ballot.
MicH-seat the undecided as Obama and the clintons for clinton. Its really not that complex-the real issue here is Deans an idiot for laying down a rule that is not up to him its simply states rights.Geeze I am so glad that guy never became president because its clear he thinks democrat means demagouge.

Bob Stephens   March 28th, 2008 9:48 am ET

I think that the party only needs to talk to the Clintoneestas, since they are the ones that always throw the first punch. Obama is only trying to defend himself

Observer   March 28th, 2008 9:48 am ET

A blow to democracy –this is, the way the presidential nominating process is being handled by exempting the voice and vote from Florida and Michigan.

Highly offended!

Ralph   March 28th, 2008 9:49 am ET

As long as Obama keeps on blaming the Clinton campaign for his
own bumblings, it will problay go to the convention where the delegsted will nominate the one that is trluly deserving to be president.. And she is HILLARY R. CLINTON.

DISENFRANCHISED IN Miami   March 28th, 2008 9:49 am ET

Dr. Dean:
You are in denial. Hundreds of thousands of Democrats in Florida have left the Democratic Party in the last few months. All the incredible support both these candidates have been able to gather and the financial backing from regular people, the new voters and young people, all for nothing… I hold you Dr. Dean responsible for loosing the election in November. The damage is done and you and the rest in DNC should had been working to solve the situation but NOTHING has been done and the clock clicking. BLAMING AND PENALIZING THE VOTERS IN FLORIDA WAS COMPLETELY WRONG. Thanks for nothing and for all the frustration you had caused. I can wait until you are no longer the president of this party if it survives you.

Bill   March 28th, 2008 9:49 am ET

And Howard Dean has not been successful at anything he has done for the democratic party. Rather than listening to him, the democratic leaders would do well to fix the damage instead of losing another election.

Jeff   March 28th, 2008 9:49 am ET

Can't we just shorten the process to something like 2-3 weeks? There is no reason to battle it out together, to great expense for months and months, leaving what, 3 months to campaign against the Republican nominee?

It doesn't make sense to me that we would spend 7 months choosing our nominee then spend 3 months battling for the general election. Run the primaries in February, then spend March through November battling out the opponent (hopefully on the real issues).

The Michigan votes cannot be counted "as-is"; the Florida votes could, since both candidates were on the card, but really should not be.

And people talking about how Hillary should stay in the race so voters aren't "disenfranchised"…its not an election, its a nomination within the party. Are the voters who "didn't get a chance" to vote for John Edwards disenfranchised? No. Just because there are only 2 left has never meant that #2 should not drop out at a certain point.

Katy Hill   March 28th, 2008 9:49 am ET

Dean ranks right up there with Bush for the "idiot politician of the yearawared". He is out of touch with reality and the people.

Riaz Amin   March 28th, 2008 9:49 am ET

Agree. Why must a nomination process end before the finish line. In the past the best candidates drop out way too early because they did not have enough money in the begining (a wealthy candidate can easily outspend a better candidate early on).

This is the best democratic process I have ever seen in USA. It may be worthwhile to modify this process a little more to bunch more and more states together, so the process isn't drawn out so much.

nhk   March 28th, 2008 9:51 am ET

PLEASE OBAMA QUIT!!!!!! YOu are destroying the Democratic party. I love it when they say to cool it when Obama has finished his attacks. This should be a fair system. It's not.

Hillary 08

JH   March 28th, 2008 9:51 am ET

As for my 2 cents - this guy has been part of the problem all along. He, of course, like a typical politician will not accept any responsibility for his ineptness in this MESS. How dare he blow off the millions of voters from Florida and Michigan and not let them have their say. This guy has no foresight. He should have seen this back in August when this first surfaced - now he says the delegates will be seated but not sure how. Again where is his foresight - how many people will look at this as a legitiment move. Without a true, accurate vote, no one will accept whoever gets the nomination in the end as having won it fair and square. No one but Dean and Pelosi. They are doing what THEY want as Obama supporters, not what the majority of people in MI and FL want. Mr. Dean - I am no longer a democrat, you and Nancy Pelosi have shown me firsthand why it is the dem always seem to be a day late and a dollar short - it is because of inept leaders like yourselves. Until the both of you realize that YOU are part of the problem the party is going to continue to fall apart.

Jason, Oh.   March 28th, 2008 9:51 am ET

This dude is an idiot. He doesn't have enought balls to be a chairman. And I think he's also in the pocket of the Clintons. The stuff he's been saying the entire primary season hasn't been adding up to me.

Mike   March 28th, 2008 9:52 am ET

Uhh, yah… McCain's is going to win thanks to Mr. and Mrs. BOZO, polarizing their own party. I'm as liberal as they come, but these 2 are awful. And with Ralphie running, it's going to make it worse. waaaaa waaaaa, can't we fire them all and start fresh?

Mary   March 28th, 2008 9:52 am ET

I hate to be the one to tell you Dean but the party IS a mess. I was
watching and dumbfounded by the arrogance of the pundits on CNN last night stating that when the nominee is decided all the people who say they won't vote will come around.
I will support Hillary or nobody as will others.
Many will support Obama or nobody.
There is no way to fix that.

Jack Robertson   March 28th, 2008 9:52 am ET

The easiest solution to the problems facing the Democrats is for Queen Hillary to realize that the coronation isn't going to happen. She should bow out gracefully (it would be the only graceful act of the Clinton campaign) and allow Americans to vote for change. Perhaps Obama could throw her a sop such as permanent envoy to Iraq when he becomes President.

Marc in DeKalb, IL   March 28th, 2008 9:53 am ET

Getting Obama and Clinton to agree on how to seat the delegates seems to require nothing short of divine intervention. I fail to see how such an agreement can be made.

Clinton wouldn't want to yield on including them as is, because the illegal results favor her.

Obama wouldn't want to yield a re-vote, because such a re-vote favors him (that is, Hillary would lose in Michigan with Obama on the ballot, and she would lose some votes in Florida, she'd still win, but not be nearly as wide a margin).

… and so I think it is up to the Democratic party itself to make the decision.

Including the delegates as is, from two flawed primaries, is both unfair (since Obama wasn't even on the ballot in Michigan and did not campaign in Florida, where-as Hillary had fundraisers, which require fundamentally ARE a form of campaigning)… and sets a bad precedent, worse than the re-vote.

… but the re-vote itself sets a bad precedent for states violating Party rules.

It's a lose/lose situation, and Florida and Michigan did it. Not Obama, not even Clinton (though her clamouring for "as is" is nothing short of divisive)…

… the system WOULD NOT BE A MESS, if it weren't for the violations of the politicians of Florida and Michigan.

There needs to be some sort of penalty for violation. I would feel satisfied if the leaders RESPONSIBLE for the early vote (and therefore, the fiasco that has resulted) *RESIGNED* and a revote was held. The precedent would not be set in an undoable way, it would be clear WRONG WAS DONE (and it *WAS*)…

DD, New York   March 28th, 2008 9:53 am ET

Finally, Dr. Dean, you found your backbone. You must do everything to keep the Democratic Party cohesive. Perhaps you should have spoken up like this much earlier.

Ann   March 28th, 2008 9:53 am ET

I wish the sermons of Rev. Wright exposed earlier, then Obama would NOT be ahead of Hillary.

This is the LESSON that we choose someone who has no public record. That's a DISASTER for the country.

Hillary will stay in the race!!!!!

If Obama gets nominated, he steals it.

txpoodoo   March 28th, 2008 9:53 am ET

"Oh, beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain."

Someone else pick it up.

Robert   March 28th, 2008 9:53 am ET

Go away Dean!

Jefferson in Ontario, Canada   March 28th, 2008 9:53 am ET

Howard Dean,
This election is a mess. Just schedule new primaries for Florida and Michigan ASAP, regardless of what Obama likes it or not. Let all democrats decide who should be the nominee. How hard is that?

sad   March 28th, 2008 9:54 am ET

Good for Dean. We neededhis leadership. The Obama camp and the media need to stop trying to force an outcome for this election. Dean also clarified the historic role of the superdelegates, which is not something that either the Clinton or Obama camps had anything to do with establishing. Stop calling the race and let the campaign finish up in June. Go Dean!

Joe Black   March 28th, 2008 9:55 am ET

"The fundraisers, who reminded Pelosi in the letter they have been strong contributors to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, …"

The Democratic Party is at a crossroads - we ave to decide whether this will continue to be the Party of big dollar contributors, corrupt candidates who take tens of millions of dollars in backdoor "fees" from supporters, or whether the Party will truly be of the people.

While Hillary rakes in big buck contributions from wealthy donors, who aslo pay her $12 Million a year in fees (and Bill $20 Million), Obama gets most of his money from small contributors - and made only 1.5 Million last year (about 1/10th what Hillary made, and 1/20th what Bill made).

There are two radically different wings ofthe Democratic Party, and they cannot ever be reconciled.

The Hillary wing is just a different brand of Pay-toPlay government than the Republican Party.

The Obama wig represents real progressive change and putting government back in the hands of the people, and not moneyed special interests.

Just wait until Hillary AND BILL release their tax returns and see where the money is coming from. China, Dubai, Vin Gupta, lots of nice folks….

Th

Lewis   March 28th, 2008 9:55 am ET

Howard Dean is not in a position to understand imposion.

Larry Buchas   March 28th, 2008 9:55 am ET

Dean's in an ultimate universe if he thinks is ok to sweat and burn now until the nomination.

But I hope he's right Michigan and Florida will have their representatives. Good luck dealing with the Clintons.

MARY   March 28th, 2008 9:56 am ET

YES IT IS A MESS. EVERYONE I TALK TO THINKS IT IS. YOUNG , OLD, OBAMA SUPPORTERS AND HILLARY SUPPORTERS. PRIMARIES, CAUCUSES, BOTH IN SOME STATES. STATES LIKE WASHINGTON WHERE PEOPLE VOTED NOT KNOWING THAT ONLY THE CAUCUS COUNTED. THE WHOLE MICH. FLORIDA MESS. THE SUPERDELAGATES. THREATS TO WITHOLD FUNDS BY FAT CATS. WHAT IS HE TALKING ABOUT. DENIAL.DENIAL. THE DNC IS VERY INCOMPETENT.

PA   March 28th, 2008 9:56 am ET

Dean needs to talk to Bill and Hillary. Their new talking point is that she is winning in the primary states and the causus states should not count as much as the primaries. ?????????????????? How is that fair????

They are trying to change the rules in the middle of the game and that is WHY people are upset!!

Davis Williams   March 28th, 2008 9:56 am ET

I am troubled that some Democrats want to end the Primary Election process before my state's Primary Election. Their intent seems to be to disenfranchise us in states that did not option for an early primary.

Lewis   March 28th, 2008 9:56 am ET

that would be 'implosion'

SCC   March 28th, 2008 9:56 am ET

Not a mess? What planet is he living on?

Hillary Clinton is destroying the party. She needs to stop this nonsense and bow out gracefully before she's thrown out.

Does Dean or the general public, for that matter, realize that thousands of Republicans are registering as democrats in states like PA so they can vote for Hillary? Anyone wonder why they want her to win so badly? They know Obama can beat McCain, that's why. They've got something on Hillary and will destroy her in the general election.

People need to wake-up!!

Independent   March 28th, 2008 9:56 am ET

No one in the democratic party can figure out how to steal the election away from the people. They are now floating the possibility of pledged delegates defecting. How completely absurd and desparate can they get.

to sum up, IT IS A MESS! - Sorry Dean.

Zach   March 28th, 2008 9:57 am ET

Dean was the wrong choice for this job. He has put his ego between Florida and Michigan re-election. It would be unfortunate if the voters of these two states are disenfranchised. American people of all states must stand up for the people of Florida and Michigan.

George   March 28th, 2008 9:57 am ET

Yes, the Democats need to focus on Irak and the voters in Florida and Michigan have to have a fair chance to make their voice heard. Their votes have to be counted.

Swalker327   March 28th, 2008 9:57 am ET

Dean, Pelosi and other Democratic leaders need to force Clinton out of the race NOW. Even if she won the next 10 races she still can't catch Obama in delegates because of the way they are proportionately split. Even though I think Clinton is a liar and an elitist who feels as if she is entitled to the coveted White House, I think Obama should give her a seat somewhere high in his cabinet and shut her up and get her out before we end up with another Bush (MCAIN!!). What I think is absolutely hysterical is the Clinton supporters who say they would vote for McCain if Hillary doesn’t get the nomination. TALK ABOUT SHOOTING YOURSELF IN YOUR OWN FOOT – CUT YOUR NOSE OFF TO SPITE YOUR OWN FACE … I CAN GO ON AND ON!!! That's right — show the world how stupid we REALLY are!!! Keep the war going and the economy in ruins just out of spite…. That’ll show em’!!!

Redphilly   March 28th, 2008 9:58 am ET

He is right. We care about the economy. If our economy is sound, we are happy. So why wouldn't that be our first concern? After that is repaired, then we can concentrate on other matters. But fix that first and foremost.

jw, canadian,ok   March 28th, 2008 9:58 am ET

Ch. Dean - You have personally screwed up the Democratic primary process beyond recognition. You personally may have put John 'McBush' in the White House, Dubya may as well give John the keys now and save us contributors another $250M.

Robin   March 28th, 2008 9:58 am ET

The problem is not the primary process, the problem is that for Mrs. Clinton is either her or nobody. It seems to her that Americans owe her the presidency. The fact is that Mrs. Clinton is obsolete. Either she is stopped in the primary or she will be stopped in the general election…The End.

bernie   March 28th, 2008 9:59 am ET

perhaps Bill Clinton should be McCain's running mate since he goes around the country praising McCain so much. The sooner the Clintons get out of this primary, the better for the party and the American people.

Leron   March 28th, 2008 9:59 am ET

The primary system is most certainly a mess!
Also - caucuses are incompatible with our form of democracy. A straight up or down popular vote for your candidate is all that should be allowed.

Tim from Ohio   March 28th, 2008 9:59 am ET

As Howard Dean mentions in this piece, the delegates from both Florida and Michigan will eventually be seated at the convention.

Once this happens, Senator Clinton will take the lead with pledged delegates and will win the nomination. It's really simple.

floridian   March 28th, 2008 10:00 am ET

As a life-long Republican I just love it. About half the Democrats want to disenfranchise voters in the 10 upcoming states while the other half want to disenfranchise voters in Florida and Michigan. And Sen. Clinton wants to disenfranchise those who have already voted by convincing the superdelegates to overturn the early primary results and to vote for her. Maybe they both need to throw in the towel. How about a Pelosi/Reid ticket? or a Gore/Pelosi ticket?

Debra   March 28th, 2008 10:00 am ET

The more they bring up on each other, the more they hand the presidency to McCain. I have been so annoyed at what the Clinton's have thrown Obama's way, I won't vote for her if she is the nominee. I know many like me, this isn't good for the Democratic party.

actually   March 28th, 2008 10:00 am ET

the primary IS A MESS!!!! Our founding fathers even said in the U.S. Constitution that elected officials should have NO SAY in who gets elected President. They knew that elected officials electing other leaders would be HORRIBLE…

Well guess what democrats, like 250 of the superdelegates are… DUH elected officials, like governors, senators, house of representatives… it's a mockery of the 1787 Constitution in my opinion. Can't wait for the former NY governor to decide this race from jail since he's one of the superdelegates.

Tom in Philadelphia   March 28th, 2008 10:01 am ET

Chaos, confusion craziness . . . .

What do you expect when something is run by Howard Dean

At least he hasn't started screaming yet . . . Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!

mary   March 28th, 2008 10:01 am ET

I agree with Howard Dean. Stop the lies and personal attaqcks and concentrate on the real issues, which are the economy, Iraq,health care, clean air, education of our children, and finding a way to bring this great country of ours back to its high standard. The greatest country in the world.

United we stand divided we fall.

Antoine   March 28th, 2008 10:01 am ET

I am getting tired of people complainning that FL and MI are being disenfranchised!!! They are not. Your states broke the rules and are mad because you got punished. Giving FL and MI a revote is like giving a kid caught cheating on a test a retest. If FL and MI get to revote then that would disenfranchise the other voters in the other 48 states. NC has to wait until May 6 to vote. Did we complain??? Let the campaign continue until June 3 and the candidate with the most delegates on June 3 should be the nominee. Period!

Carl   March 28th, 2008 10:01 am ET

If we can elect a president in one day, then we can decide the primaries in one day…. that simple

LAW   March 28th, 2008 10:01 am ET

When Howard Dean tells you to calm down, you know you are not presidential material.

Bob   March 28th, 2008 10:01 am ET

The Democratic party again shoots itself in the foot. A monkey could run next year, the GOP is walking wounded and the Dems look like anything but professionals. C'mon 3rd party system

Drew   March 28th, 2008 10:02 am ET

The idea of focing Hillary out of the race weeks before a state PRIMARY (the way all votes should be), a state that she will probably win by a double digit margin, is ridiculous. Of course the Obama camp would like supporters not to see that he cant win a swing state, much less states that traditionally vote democrat. Stay in through ALL OF THE VOTES, and then make the decisions. Who knows, Hillary may be ahead in popular vote by that time.

For Obama   March 28th, 2008 10:02 am ET

I know both "campaigns" have slewed dirt back and forth. More so on the Clinton Campaign. But what makes me sick more than anything about Clinton is the fact that words of smear on personal attack and discrimination type talk has came straight out of her, and her husbands mouths. Obama has only attacked on issues and things she has said on issues. Her false accounts of bosnia, her saying one thing about an issue then saying another. Not personally. Might be someone on the campaign that said something but straight out of his mouth… It has not happened.. Unlike clinton.

She can keep it up though as far as I am concerned. I dont like the woman and I will never vote for her if on the ticket. I am so dead against her. Its not out of spite.. Its how I know she is, her lies, her deceit, and her history of blaming all the wrong on someone else instead of taking the accountablity herself for her own mistakes.

I wont vote for that to be in charge of a nation where I live and have to depend on her to make things right. Because I just cannot trust her. Obama might make some mistakes who knows. But he will take accountablilty for them. Clinton lies too much and has such a huge history of lying. That to me is another bush… weapons of m destruction.. what kind of lies will Clinton make for issues?

Also the big money donors in her party that wrote the letter to Peloski? That is political favor stuff. You do and follow what we say because we donated money to your campaign and etc… No way!! That is not right at all. That is the Political Favors the clintons are famous for. Obama all the way here! No Political favors! Typical Washington Business… just like Obama said… Clinton is right in the middle of it. TIme for that to stop!!

jp/michigan   March 28th, 2008 10:02 am ET

The entire DNC supports Obama. Obama does not want states like Michigan and Florida to do a re-vote, they state that we need to follow the rules. The same rules Obama campaigns follows, distort, take from others words, ideas and solutions and claim them for themselves. Wee, this 46 yr. democrat will not vote for Obama because he doesnot use good judgement and is not trust worthy.

Typica latina n proud   March 28th, 2008 10:02 am ET

Howard Dean, our children deserve better. It is wrong to encourage that a misspeak , which is a lie, is acceptable, it is wrong to encourage our young people when they see the democratic party being threatened with bribes and money refusal unless they comply with money mongers from Clinton campaign. Hillary and her team and supporters are making unethical behavior too public and are hurting our democratic party.

Chris   March 28th, 2008 10:02 am ET

Everyone needs to take a deep breath. Maybe you don't like Clinton or maybe you don't like Obama…fair enough. However, do you really want another republican prez? I certainly hope not…I know it can be frustrating at times, but regardless of the outcome we can still make a change regardless of which D wins it. It may not be the person you had hoped for, but I certainly hope you realize the D alternative is much better than the R alternative.

DISENFRANCHISED IN Miami   March 28th, 2008 10:02 am ET

Dr. Dean:
You are in denial. Hundreds of thousands of Democrats in Florida have left the Democratic Party in the last few months. YES, WE NEED A COMPLETE ELECTION OVERHAUL. All the incredible support both these candidates have been able to gather and the financial backing from regular people, the new voters and young people, all for nothing… I hold you Dr. Dean responsible for loosing the election in November. The damage is done and you and the rest in DNC should had been working to solve the situation but NOTHING has been done and the clock clicking. BLAMING AND PENALIZING THE VOTERS IN FLORIDA WAS COMPLETELY WRONG. Thanks for nothing and for all the frustration you had caused. I can wait until you are no longer the president of this party if it survives you.

Republican   March 28th, 2008 10:03 am ET

Dems are worhtless i do hope they are the end of each other

JET   March 28th, 2008 10:03 am ET

Howard Dean telling anyone to cool down.

Now that's funny.

g.penn TX   March 28th, 2008 10:03 am ET

Hillary will win the nomination because of her experience in health care, international diplomacy, and the Clinton's record for fairness and equality for all groups!
Let's face it; with her qualifications and experience in public service, if she was a MAN, she would have won it all in February!

Swalker327   March 28th, 2008 10:04 am ET

"tim" — get a grip — OBAMA didn't write the things his pastor said — he wasn't even in attendance. Obama said he only attended services once every 6 weeks or so because he was so busy!! Nor He didn't order copies of semons to listen to and analyze!! I have no idea what my own pastor is said last sunday because I didn't go to church last sunday — should I ask for a copy of the tape to analyze????

YOU HILLARY SUPPORTERS KILL ME — YOU FINALLY THINK YOU GOT SOMETHING GOOD ON BARACK AND YOU ARE RIDING THAT WAVE ALL THE WAY!! WHY DON'T YOU LOOK AT THE THINGS YOUR DIRTY CANDIDATE SAYS OUT OF HER "OWN' MOUTH — NOT HER PASTORS!!!!!!! WHAT ABOUT HER FANTASY TRIP TO BOSINA??!?!!

SMARTEN UP!   March 28th, 2008 10:04 am ET

Thank YOU!! Talk about issues, not gossip!!

MPG   March 28th, 2008 10:04 am ET

Unfortunately, Americans aren't suffering enough or are too complacent, otherwise they would not have the time to debate the merits of a candidate whose pastor practiced freedom of speech and religion……would be less concerned about the sexual practices of a candidates spouse, the race, gender and age (I'm old therefore I'm not valuable)………….whose more "American" or "Patriotic"…………..

These are silly schoolyard arguments that grown ups should not waste valuable time, energy and money. I confess that until recently, I was one of those who "blamed" the media, but I realize that the responsibility for the environment and vibe of this campaign lies directly with me/us as the people. And as long as WE feed into this type of low-brow stuff, media makes money (ask Faux News) and the politicians continue to keep it going because we lead them to believe thats ALL we care about….is to sling mud and be entertained by who can be scandalized next.

I doubt this will be posted, but, at least I had the ability to share my humble opinion.

Sharon   March 28th, 2008 10:04 am ET

Michigan and Florida NEED a re-vote….Obama's people are blocking this…..if they don't vote, only 48 states had a say-so….no one wins.

chris jones, iowa   March 28th, 2008 10:04 am ET

I know Truth and pastors make for messy discussions, but we are dealing with individual people whom we are to choose to run our country. You cannot avoid or place on the back burner that which we need to find out who to elect. Messy or not it's a process the voter has to go through as well as the party. Iraq, the economy, health care..sure those are common topics shared and if discussed keep the tone controlled, and the front page news more acceptable. The ONLY issue that would hurt myself within this party is if something happened which illustrated an UNFAIRNESS to the process. Mr Dean, that falls on your desk of responsibility..so do your job and let the two candidates fight it out for us. They both want the job, a little heated discussion now is better than placing the wrong person in the office.

Thanks

Glenn   March 28th, 2008 10:05 am ET

Dean,another person who knows the Clinton's, is worried. He knows that the only option open to Hilliary is to attack & destroy Obama. He knows she will lie to do this. It shows that she isn't qualified to be president of anything. To seek power for power sake wrong. More people are see the Clinton's clearly & that hurts the democratic party.

Mama4Obama   March 28th, 2008 10:05 am ET

i agree. let the loser go. bye bye hillary

Rich   March 28th, 2008 10:05 am ET

Howard Dean has officially told Florida Democrats that since they defied HIM, he's going to make sure their primary doesn't count! If this is true Howard Dean is on the way to rob citizens their legal right to vote. This man is a real divider.

Blayze Kohime   March 28th, 2008 10:06 am ET

Its almost a pity that Dean isn't running himself.
People that are harping on these little things on both sides are too stupid to realize that in the end they are hurting the party of the person they want to win. Haven't you wondered why McCain hasn't gotten dirty yet? He hasn't had to! Democrats are doing his work for him.

d   March 28th, 2008 10:06 am ET

"Personal attacks demoralize the base…we need to focus on Iraq, we need to focus on gas prices, on mortgages, we need to focus on the economy," Dean said. "These are the things the American people care about. They don't care about people bickering over pastors, over who said what in Bosnia."

Thanks Dean!!!!

Troy   March 28th, 2008 10:06 am ET

Dean just needs to step down….. I think he's biased anyway. Let the votes in Michigan and Florida count! Then which ever candidate is on top after all the states have been accounted for is the winner. Its simple as that…Hillary or Obama… Its doesn't matter as long as it is not McCain/Bush.

John   March 28th, 2008 10:06 am ET

Dean is in the tank for Obama, because the Cinton's didn't support his bid for the presidency in 2004. Talk about someone being childish: Christ would not have backed him after that crazy scream. He is from Vermont, and even Vermonters are trying to distance themselves from him.

lois   March 28th, 2008 10:06 am ET

Primary season is a mess for Dems and Howard Dean's leadership is less than acceptable.

Jack   March 28th, 2008 10:06 am ET

Does anyone remember what Saddam's spokesperson said as the US troops were entering Bagdad? Something like "The enemy is on the run. We are defeating them at every turn. We are driving them out of Iraq!
Dean says "It's not a mess. It's actually done much better than we have in the past,"
OK then.

mike   March 28th, 2008 10:07 am ET

I agree, no one should quit the race, let everyone get a chance to vote. All polls show they are iin dead heat, so why should anyone quit!

SCC   March 28th, 2008 10:08 am ET

Spirit of America wrote:
"The will of the people in Michigan and Florida is clear from the January vote, a fair and official one. "

Obama's name was NOT ON THE BALLOT in Michigan. Obviously you like Hillary. But that aside, do you really think that's fair? The Florida win for Hillary was obviously based on name recognition. I know several people who didn't know who either candidate was so they voted for Hillary because they recognized her name. Neither candidate had a chance to campaign or get their message out. Once again, do you really think that's a fair election?

Both states broke the rules and have been penalized for it. Rules are rules. Hillary completely supported the decision to not allow the election results in either state to be counted back in the Fall. Now that she's loosing, she's changed her mind. Allowing a candidate to steal an election is, in my opinion, undemocratic. I think a fair solution would be for both states to split the delegates evenly between the candidates.

Wally   March 28th, 2008 10:08 am ET

America needs to alleve itself from the two party political system. Look at what that system is doing to Florida and Michigan. People in those states are not allowed to vote because "Democrats", a created term, will not allow them too. Yet, this same party, then wants a vote in November. I thought America was the ultimate democracy?

laura   March 28th, 2008 10:08 am ET

to Zoi:
I am a Florida voter too. I want my voice heard too. It will be heard in November when I vote for Obama

Please Hillary for the good of the democratic party just step down. I know grace has not been your strongest point but it is never too late to show a little humanity

JSterling   March 28th, 2008 10:09 am ET

Mr Dean, I am a gay white American and this is the first primary I have ever voted in. (Don't forget us! Many whites have never voted in a primary either.) I have never been so engaged in an election since President Bill Clinton's run. He "spoke" to me and many others like me.
I am amazed how the DNC can say the nominating system is not broken. The states who go first do not represent America as it stands today. (Perhaps 100 years ago.)
The DNC talks about rules, but the rules state that the "SuperDelegates" can vote for the better of the party. Although our party does need the support of Republ and Indep in a general election, the are not Democrates. Those who have voted in open primaries and caucuses should not influence the Democratic party structure.

Glenda Rutherford, Williamsport, PA   March 28th, 2008 10:09 am ET

Who is Dean kidding? The whole election process is a mess. I am in total agreement with the reader who is tired of the endless campaigns, primaries, caucases, and money raising. Enough! Have all primaries as nearly the same time as possible and stop the madness. The public is sick to death of hearing these people for months and months on end and nothing gets done in Congress because everyone is campaigning. Stop it!!!

George   March 28th, 2008 10:09 am ET

Dean???????????

Kurt   March 28th, 2008 10:09 am ET

the media just wants to declare winner. it will NOT be obama. when hillary wins she will have defeated not only the obama campaign but also the ugly sensationalistic unfair media like CNN.

The Perpetual Student   March 28th, 2008 10:13 am ET

I disagree IT IS A MESS!!! Now I am finding out that republican lawmakers in those states contributed to this problem. I hope they work it out because I want the people in Fl and MI to have their votes count but on the other hand it is important to follow rules. I think something can be worked out.

DMdallas   March 28th, 2008 10:17 am ET

Sure Dean is right. The system is not a mess.
With his logic it just makes since that the votes of Texans, and those from Ohio, PA and NC should only count every 30 years instead of every election.
That's ridiculous.

lanray   March 28th, 2008 10:17 am ET

So tired of the bickering. Both are acting like school children. Neither should be given the chance to be our next President until they get a grip and just discuss how they can help this troubled Nation. If they continue this squabbling, I will vote for neither one. We need some poise and sophistication back in the White House.

FAL   March 28th, 2008 10:39 am ET

Yes, let's all stop being so dramatic. Our country was built on the premise that those who wanted to serve our country as elected officials would go through a voting process. Did you really expect there would be no conflict, no mud slinging, and no exaggeration? Asking anyone to quit the race is simply a tactic. Whether Hillary falls for it is her business.

cj-delhi,ny   March 28th, 2008 11:16 am ET

It is a mess and Hillary is a big part of it. She is so desperate and manipulative. They will stop at nothing. The difference between Obama and Clinton is that he holds his hand out and waits for the falling feather to fall into his hand; she tries grabbing it the whole way down.

I am pleased to say that several of my friends who have been in the clinton camp have no crossed over to Obama. One of them said, "I just don't understand what has happened to her".

paulie_nj   March 28th, 2008 11:16 am ET

Just nominate Gore and end it all together. He has the best chance of beating McCain in November. Not to mention, the Republicans would be totally blindsided by a move like that. Gore was robbed in 2000 and deserves the nomination. I think everyone would be happy with that compromise.

KJ, CA   March 28th, 2008 11:17 am ET

Howard Dean you need to take some responsbility for this mess. As the Chair of the DNC it is your responsiblity to ensure that the primary process runs smoothly to benefit Democrats. Instead you have allowed yourself to be intimited by an ex-President, you have allowed a candidate (HRC) that has no interest in the party only in herself to run amuck, and you are allowing - by allowing this to continue - hundreds of thousands of new activists to be disinfranchised. Check yourself Mr. Dean, check yourself.

SBAMA   March 28th, 2008 11:17 am ET

Billary did not win Texas
Billary did not win Michigan
Billary did not win Florida
Billary can not catch up in pleadged dels

Billary CAN NOT WIN - PERIOD

DROP OUT!!!!

Phantom   March 28th, 2008 11:17 am ET

Some of you guys are just too much. "Howard Dean has never done anything!"

Um, how about the 2006 elections? How about going from a pretty devastating minority in both houses to the majority in both houses? In a non-presidential election year, no less. That's huge!

If Senator Clinton was so concerned about the disenfranchisement of voters in MI and FL, then she should have never authroized the punishment meted out by the DNC. But in December, she thought that the primary process was a foregone conclusion. If she was concerned about these "voices not being heard," then she should have made some noise in the days leading up to the initial votes in those states.

But Senator Clinton thought she had this thing wrapped up. If the tables were reversed, and Senator Obama was trailing and were trying to get delegates — which EVERY nominee agreed WOULD NOT BE SEATED — Senator Clinton's campaign would be burying him. Why is it OK for her to push this disenfranchisment narrative only now that she's behind? If she was really that concerned in the first place, shouldn't she have opposed the refusal to seat the delegates instead of agreeing to it? Shouldn't she have made a bigger deal about it when FL and MI actually voted in January?

ALBO   March 28th, 2008 11:18 am ET

Has the Media not an opinion regarding these ourrageous statements?

1) ""Pelosi and DNC Chairman Howard Dean have so far defended
their positions in the face of the mounting pressure"" (CNN)
(but it is suggested that this could change because the DNC is
out of Money and need the contribution of the authors of the
Pelosi-letter !!)

2) " The Clinton campaign denies that they were behind the Pelosi-
letter" (their own staement)
(but, oh surprise, agrees with its content !!)

3) " The Democratic Primaries are not a mess and working better as
expected" (Howard Dean)

By the way, the declarations of the MOVE-ON extreme LEFT organization in favor of OBANA and against the HILLARY-supporting "fat-cat" donors damages both OBAMA (reinforcing the
perception that he is Ultra-Liberal) and HILLARY (exposing her links
to Big-Money).

ALBO

for Hillary   March 28th, 2008 11:18 am ET

I have never seen so much in-fighting and hatred. I cannot believe anyone who would vote for Obama considering that he has a total lack of judgment.

The media has twisted everything in Obama's favor, Obama whines and constantly cries foul, his supporters have been pushing Clinton to withdraw when Obama cannot reach the delegate count either and worst, the Obama supporters are the most mean and vulgar that the Clinton supporters had to finally respond in her defense.

There is no leadership and the DNC has been rigging this contest. More people are choosing to be unaffiliated with either party and I think it is time to start a third party.

Why doesn't Dean tell those morons in the Democrat controlled Congress to get off their butts and do their job.

Pappu   March 28th, 2008 11:18 am ET

Obama lawyers have successfully blocked re-votes in FL and MI, and the DNC has just stood by. I am leaving the party.

Robert NYC & Miami   March 28th, 2008 11:18 am ET

i AM STICKING WITH HILLARY CLINTON!

fp   March 28th, 2008 11:19 am ET

Yes Howard the party is a mess and you, Pelosi and others in the DNC are responsible.

Excluding Florida and Michigan? is this democratic or is just being done to deliver a flawed, illegitimate nomination to Mr Obama? Florida democrats are the victims of your leadership, the Republicans that forced the primary early and Obama that refuses to agree to either count the votes or to a re-vote. Remember Florida-Bush? Just stealing the primary in a similar way Bush stole it from Al Gore.

You want unity and you want to see the democrats win in November? Support the movement to bring Al Gore as our next President.

Anybody but Clinton   March 28th, 2008 11:19 am ET

Hillary put on you big girl underpants and GO HOME with some shred of dignity. You clearly demonstrated poor judgement by being in the house while your husband is cheating, Iraq, Iran, you "misspoke,sleep deprivated-thrice repeated story. JUST LEAVE.

concerned   March 28th, 2008 11:19 am ET

I think the whole process needs to be overhalled as well. I am not able to leave work for hours to attend a caucus here. I just wanted to go to the polls and vote before work, or better yet mail it in. Only those people with open schedules voted in my state. Do those people really represent anything? I agree with others that have written in, it should be a one day vote like the GE, everyone votes for either thier Republican choice of the Democratic choice. That would solve all the problems we have here. The winner would win by straight popular vote period. The Delagates are always distributed unfairly so do away with them. Recounting the delagates is hokey. Just vote, then have a party if you want. That whole convention thing is bogus. Can anyone point out a flaw in this thinking?

ROBERT ALBUQUERQUE   March 28th, 2008 11:19 am ET

I think that the Florida primery should stand as it is. Everyone was told not to campaign in Florida and nobody did. The voters decided to vote for Hillary . Michigan needs to ask why Obama doesn't want them to vote. This year is great everyone gets a say. Hillary and Obama both need to take this fight all the way. Every registared voter should be given the chance to help repair the damage that has been done to our country by the current administration.

Tom,des moines   March 28th, 2008 11:20 am ET

I am get sick and tired for those who want Hillary to drop out. Why don't u guy tell that Hussein Obama himself to drop out? As far as I concern Hillary should be the demorcrat nominee.Why? Because she won more blue states then any democrat in the history. Hillary has a better chance to beant McCanin then Hussein Obama. We all know that Obama won't be able to carry any of red states now.

Eunice, Maryland   March 28th, 2008 11:20 am ET

I wonder if CNN will post this.

For the first time am beginning to love Howard Dean. His sins are forgiven. He talked very maturedly this time and I give him an 'A' for that. As long as the delegates from Michigan and Florida are seated and the Superdelegates do thier job then everybody will be fine and no one will feel cheated. But to ask Hillary to step down when all and sundry have not been allowed to vote and for due process of Democracy allowed to run it's course is a complete fraud and is unacceptable. He is the only one so far that is making sense. The rest of them are just completely out of control.

deborah   March 28th, 2008 11:20 am ET

If you would just count my vote and those of my fellow citizens in Florida and Michigan I would not be so angry with you. If my candidate does not get the nomination because you refuse to count votes, I will be writing her in in November. And I hope all the other voters in the country who voted for her will do the same. Take that meglomaniac Dean.

Ken   March 28th, 2008 11:21 am ET

For those of you in Michigan and Florida you only have to look inward for your problems. YOU elected the officials in your state that CHOSE to change the rules in defiance of the party rules. In doing so they KNEW that they would not be seated and did it anyway. If YOU KNEW that a cop was behind you and you chose to speed anyway, almost certainly you would have to pay the price. YOUR avenue here is to vote for anyone but an incumbent in your state to ensure that this debacle doesn't happen again. In the case of Florida, while you may want your voice heard, and demand that this isn't fair, so the other 49 states voices must be heard and I for one am tired of Florida's screwed up election processes hijacking our elections! Clean up your house before you call the process a dirty house! It was disclosed that it was gonna be messy and you chose to come in anyway!

old white lady for OBAMA   March 28th, 2008 11:21 am ET

HILLARY SUPPORTERS WANT TO HOLD OBAMA RESPONSIBLE FOR

WHAT OTHER PEOPLE SAY. BUT CAN'T HOLD HER RESPONSIBLE

FOR WHAT COMES OUT OF HER OWN MOUTH. WE ALREADY HAVE

THAT KIND OF ADMINISTRATION. HOW IS IT WORKING FOR YOU ?

who'd a thunk   March 28th, 2008 11:21 am ET

here's an idea, let obama have the nomination …..

he'll get his clock cleaned by McCain in Nov.

then in four years, the dems can send up a real leader with experience.

the results will be four years of the older more experience generation
having the last laugh….

you youngsters do it your way, when ot blows up in your face,,,,,,,,,

I'll just chuckle and say,,,,,,,,, we your elders tried to tell you but ,

as usual, you don't listen, you think your inexperince gives you the know all that is all..

it will be another 100 years before a black man is taken seriously …

come Nov.. the democrats will ( the youth) be stuned, how could we have been so wrong………..

simple answer, like always, you just don't listen to the adults in your life…..

Missouri

chris nguyen   March 28th, 2008 11:21 am ET

howard dean should resign if michigan and florida votes were ignored and their delegates were not seated..

Phantom   March 28th, 2008 11:22 am ET

Furthermore, for all of the Democrats decrying the primary system, it works the same for the Republicans. In fact, once Mitt Romney dropped out of the Republican race, every primary from that point pretty much became a moot point. What about all of the Republican states that didn't get a say in nominating Senator McCain? If you're going to agitate about the "disenfranchisement" of Democrats, it's important to recognize that the Republican system is awfully similar. Certain states vote first in both systems. If a winner is determined out of those early races, the rest of the country does not get to voice their opinion.

I urge all Americans to really consider what's being presented by the media in the next few months. We MUST consider what is being reported and how it is being reported. For all intents and purposes, the Democratic race is over. Hillary has a virtually insurmountable lead, but the media knows that they can stoke ratings by keeping the race alive. CNN and other media outlets have a VESTED INTEREST in prolonging the race. Again, if the situation were reversed, how do you think Senator Clinton would be reacting? Do you think she would tolerate a losing candidate with virtually no mathematical chance of winning staying in the race?

Angela   March 28th, 2008 11:23 am ET

Dean is an idiot. period!

Tim H   March 28th, 2008 11:23 am ET

The problem of MI and FLA is not Obama, it is Dean. Why did he allow no delegates to be seated? The republican said we will count half, and no one is screaming. This was disenfranchisement from day one and the stupidest decision that could have been made. Obama wants a revote in MI. he simply wants to make sure that everyone can vote, including those Dems like myself who realized that the vote was not going to matter and voted in the republican primary. Why should my voice not be heard? Obama is the only one trying to make sure that my vote will count in a do over. Hilliary only wants people who voted the first time to be allowed to vote. If we want all votes to matter, let me vote or shut up. Everyone can see that Hilliary only wants this for her own political gain. If she wants the voters to be heard, then she should simply agree with Obama's MI plan!

George, Los Angeles   March 28th, 2008 11:23 am ET

Go Hillary! I believed in you from day one, and I still do.

Floridian   March 28th, 2008 11:23 am ET

Why should this be over before the convention? Isn't the convention where the nominee is CHOSEN, not CROWNED? There have been many times in history when the nominee was not known going into the convention.

I agree that too much time is spent on the primaries. Have the primaries in June, then spend til November on the Gen Elecion. And if the nominee is evident by the votes, why waste time and money on the convention?

stop the hate   March 28th, 2008 11:25 am ET

If the press wins and Obama is elected through questionable practices (sitting on the Wright story in Dec and not running it as REAL journalists would have) then I suggest that all Hillary supporters vote Nader.

If the 28% of Clinton supporters vote Nader, then there would be a third party in which we could voice are concerns to. A third party would make sure that BOTH Dems and Reps would not only have to REMEMBER what they promised us during the election process but keep those promises. It would mean that Both parties would have to work for our vote. Any maybe make Dean think it is ok to throw away the voices and votes of two states just to make sure HIS candidate wins

Hillary staffers   March 28th, 2008 11:25 am ET

Look Hillary's supporters, everyone knew you all would continue to use the Rev. Wright crap. But, the rest of the world is seeing the entire video, no thanks to main stream media. Hillary's die-hard supporters will never vote for Obama and are using anything like; the Rev. to make their case. Sorry, Obama will be the democratic nominee in November. Stop your lies, the Clinton's have so much dirt that the Republicans will eat her butt for lunch. Look at her ratings, she is going further down in the polls. Must Obama's supporter would rather take McCain because at least he is honorable.

Ed   March 28th, 2008 11:25 am ET

Wasn't it Howard Dean that created this mess???

Bobby   March 28th, 2008 11:25 am ET

I have a solution to all the problems. Here goes. When President Bush's term is over send him to Iraq as their Prime Minister. He can then tell the Iraq's everything is ok. Good idea!!!

Phantom   March 28th, 2008 11:26 am ET

I apologize, that should have read "Obama has a virtually insurmountable lead."

Fred   March 28th, 2008 11:26 am ET

No democratic candidate can win now. Obama has been permanently damaged through his participation in a church. Hillary has proven that nothing she says can be trusted as the truth. Al Gore couldn't even pull off a win because he's defrauding the public with a carbon offset scheme and fear mongering about global warming. These are all issues where McCain can point to his opponent and prove them a liar.

debra   March 28th, 2008 11:26 am ET

Clintons speech yesterday did more to Unify the Democratic party than Obama has ever done. So far he has alienated. White people, Old people, Jews. Am I leaving anyone out?

Ed   March 28th, 2008 11:26 am ET

Full speed ahead!! "Operation Chaos"

allen   March 28th, 2008 11:27 am ET

Ann and all Clinton supporters…you can't steal something that you won! obama didn't steal anything…he won because Clinton thought she was going to get the nomination handed to her and did not work for it. if you want to blame someone, start with her.

And as far as not voting democratic if obama wins…that's fine too, but when mccain wins I don't want to hear you or your ilk whining about how unfair and stupid republican rule is because you are responsible for it!

Ed   March 28th, 2008 11:28 am ET

The election process is a mess only because Dems tried to improve it. And we want to let them run the country????

dave   March 28th, 2008 11:28 am ET

what an arrogant fool you are, dean. you set the rules and you must stick by your word. words seem to be just words these days.

Andy H   March 28th, 2008 11:29 am ET

As an Independent I am tired of Hillary's cheap ploys & attacks on Obama. I was a big supporter of Bill Clinton so when the process started I was inclined to support Hillary. The more I have seen of Hillary the more I don't like what I see. At the start of the process I questioned Obama's ability to lead but after researching his time in the Illinois legislature and in the Senate I have been impressed with his accomplishments. At this point I am a big supporter of Obama and I believe he is what this country needs.

I have been so turned off by Hillary that I can't vote for her if she wins the nomination. If you had asked me if I would have voted for a Republican for President in 2008 I would have said you were crazy. However my choices go like this Obama for President, if Hillary gets the nod I would vote for McCain despite the fact I disagree with him on many issues.

D in New Mexico   March 28th, 2008 11:29 am ET

I'm done. I sent in my Democratic party resignation letter a few minutes ago to the DNC via email… and today I will go to my local public library to refile to vote as an Independent rather than a Democrat. Why? I'm sick to death of people like Howard Dean and Nancy Pelosi trying to tell me how to vote ooooh so subtly. I am not a sheep. I have a degree - everyone in my large Hispanic family does - and we reliably vote Democrat. NO MORE! The DNC has proven itself to be corrupt and not working in accordance with even their OWN regulations. Enough. I will be writing in Hillary's name for President or not voting for President at all.

Enough   March 28th, 2008 11:31 am ET

I can't help but chuckle at the people who still think Hillary has a chance at being president. Where does that kind of stupidity come from? Never going to happen!

marge   March 28th, 2008 11:31 am ET

How is it that Obama is to blame for Fla and MI.??? Some of these Hillary supporters need to get their GED's. They have a serious problem with comprehension…..

Rebecca   March 28th, 2008 11:32 am ET

If Hillary Clinton does not win the nomination the Democratic Party will be destroyed!!! OBAMA IS A RACIST, LYER, THIEF, AND WOULD ENBOLDEN THE TERRORISTS. Dean and the rest of the Democratic Party better wake up, if Obama is elected McCain wins. Look at the polls, they prove Clinton is the better nominee.

CMS, CA   March 28th, 2008 11:32 am ET

Everyone remember Kevin Bacon's policeman role at the end of Animal house screaming, "Keep calm everyone, All is well!" He ends up a pancake on the sidewalk after being run over by a mob.

Howard, if you can't be honest and realize you are leading your party into a 1968 like convention, you really have no business leading it. You remind me of all the recent scumbag CEOs who sold their companies down the river after they were done looting them.

Chris, Orlando   March 28th, 2008 11:33 am ET

The Dems can't run a national primary/nomination process and they want to take over National Healthcare?

What a pathetic joke.

Bill from ALabama   March 28th, 2008 11:33 am ET

I AGREE WITH DEAN ON SEVERAL POINTS,BUT I THINK HE AND MOST OF THE MEDIA HAVE GROSSLY UNDER-ESTIMATED THE EFFECTS OF REV. WRIGHT AND THE PARTICULAR CHURCH OF CHRIST HE PASTORED ,AND OBAMA ATTENDED FOR OVER 15 YEARS. THIS DEFINITELTY WILL HAVE A MAJOR ROLE IN DETERMINING WHETHER OR NOT OBAMA HAS THE GOOD JUDGEMENT HE HAS OFFERED AS HIS RESUME FOR THE PRESIDENCY. NOTHING OBAMA SAYS NOW,CAN CHANGE THE FACT THAT HE SELECTED A MOST RADICAL CHURCH,ADOPTED AS HIS"MENTOR" A MOST RADICAL PREACHER, AND HAS MORE THAN DEMONSTRATED HIS CONTINUED RADICALNESS IN THE SENATE BY BEING LABELED IT MOST LIBERAL MEMBER. I AM JUST SHOCKED THAT THE HEAD OFFICE OF ALL OF THE CHURCHES OF CHRIST HASN'T REMOVED ITS NAME FROM THIS CHURCH,IN LIGHT OF IT'S TEACHINGS. I KNOW THESE TEACHINGS ARE IN COMPLETE CONTRAST FROM ANY CHURCH OF CHRIST I HAVE ATTENDED. YOU CAN'T SAY A MAN IS YOUR MENTOR AND THEN SAY YOU WOULD HAVE LEFT THE CHURCH IF HE HADN'T RETIRED. REV. WRIGHT WAS PROBABLY ESCORTED OFF THE SCENE TO PROTECT OBAMA'S CHANCES,AND THE TRIP TO ST THOMAS PROBABLY HAD AN AGENDA,BEYOND JUST RELAXING. REV WRIGHT SEEMS TO BE ON A SEBATICAL FOR AN UNDETERMINED AMOUNT OF TIME………………

H   March 28th, 2008 11:33 am ET

TO RICK IN FLORIDA - IT WAS NOT REQUIRED FOR ANY CANDIDATE TO REMOVE HIS OR HER NAME FROM BALLOTS IN MICHIGAN. THAT WAS STATED BEFORE. HILLARY ELECTED TO LEAVE HER NAME ON THE BALLOT. IN FLORIDA BOTH HILLARY AND OBAMA NAMES WERE ON THE BALLOT. JUST REMEMBER OBAMA HAD A NATIONAL AD RUNNING ON THE TELEVISION IN FLORIDA BEFORE THE ELECTION. DO YOU THINK THAT IS OK BECAUSE IT WAS OBAMA. GIVE ME A BREAK? HILLARY CAME TO FLORIDA AFTER THE POLLS CLOSED. GUESS SHE NEEDS YOUR PERMISSION.

HOWARD DEAN AND SOME OF THE OTHER DEMOCRATICS HAVE DESTROYED OUR PARTY. IT WILL NEVER BE THE SAME BECAUSE OF HATE, HATE, AND MORE HATE.

AMW - Los Angeles   March 28th, 2008 11:34 am ET

Why wait….seat the delegates now!!!!!!!!!!!!

Florida all candidates were on the ballot and Obama campaigned.

Michigan - poor judgment on Obama's part to remove his name but he did have staff having people vote for the uncommitted as a vote against Clinton. So seat the delegates!

Seat the delegates now and get it over with.

To let it go to the convention will loose more people from those two states and it just isn't worth the loss when it comes to the election in November!!!! No sense in waiting.

Chicago08   March 28th, 2008 11:34 am ET

SCC,

HE DECIDED TO REMOVE HIS NAME FROM THE BALLOT IN MI. AND HE RAN ILLEGAL ADS IN FL

We us a break!!!

Edd   March 28th, 2008 11:34 am ET

As what HILLARY said, let's fight it to the August Convention! I would love to do that! Survival of the fittest & let's see who's the credible & electable candidate!

To all Obama supporters: Do you easily think that HILLARY will surrender easily? Dream On! HILLARY won all the big blue states that a Democrat should win, next is PA! HILLARY will win this at the end! She is a fighter!!!! LOVE HER!

Ron in Kentucky   March 28th, 2008 11:34 am ET

STOP,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Everyone needs to chill out. The Democrats offer the only way out of the economic nightmare that we are facing.
Anyone out there who would trust the future of our country to the Republicans after they have plundered, pillaged and ravaged our economy and worldwide goodwill needs to wake up and smell the coffee.
No matter how long it takes to finailize the Democratic nominee for the general election, we need to focus on the positive benefits of electing a democratic president vis a vis reinstating the Republicans to further destroy our country.

Patricia   March 28th, 2008 11:34 am ET

SCC wrote: Obama's name was NOT ON THE BALLOT in Michigan. Obviously you like Hillary. But that aside, do you really think that's fair? The Florida win for Hillary was obviously based on name recognition.

Exactly. Don't you find it the least bit troubling that a Total Unknown (Obama) can gain so much support for the Presidency? What does it say about the mindset of people that they are willing to entrust the future of our children to Someone Who No One Knows. It is unbelievable to me that people, apparently, are supporting Obama because he is a nice looking black man who speaks well. Well, if that's all it takes to become President, why don't we just elect Chris Rock or Will Smith while we're at it? They're as qualified for the position as Obama is.

Charlie   March 28th, 2008 11:35 am ET

So let's see. Hillary wants the voice of the people to be heard, however, she wants the delegates to ignore the voice of the people. Florida and Michigan knew the rules going in. It would be unfair for everyone to change the rules now. And really, what kind of message does that send? The national committee made rules but they mean nothing.

The real answer is to have all of the primaries and caucuses on the same day. That way all voters get an equal voice and not one swayed by previous results.

Rob in LA   March 28th, 2008 11:35 am ET

Dean is delusional. If, as he states, the process is better now than in that past, Heaven help us all.

When the once-great Democratic party moves away from leadership such as Dean and similarly natured others, the better for that party and for America.

Who finds these people, (ie: Dean)? And…do they (Dean and his ilk)really go to bed at night thinking that they're right in the head?

Pawan   March 28th, 2008 11:38 am ET

so the guy who could get it right the first time itself for america couldnt get it right regarding his personal life and the personal pastor. make me laugh.

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